Is the Hadith: ‘Zakah is the bridge of Islam’ suitable to quote?
Answer
Imams Tabarani, Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this Hadith with a weak chain.
Sayyiduna Abud Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Zakah is the bridge of Islam.” [i.e. Through Zakah, the impoverished are uplifted, thereby strengthening Islam, since Zakah is compulsory]
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 8932, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 3038. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 3 pg. 62)
The narration is suitable to quote, as is the case with Hadiths of this nature to explain the importance of Zakah.
(Also see: Targhib, vol. 1 pg. 517 and Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 538)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar